I'm what you'd call an ambivert, or a mix between an extrovert and an introvert. Half the time, I want nothing more than to go out with a massive group of people, meet new friends, and be surrounded by social energy. I spend the other half cherishing my alone time—reading, writing, and just being by my lonesome. Few things capture the appeal of the latter better than Los Angeles–based artist Yaoyao Ma Van As' illustrations about living alone.

Ma Van As began creating these illustrations when she realized she hadn't drawn for pure enjoyment in a while. She'd been making art for TV shows like Rick and Morty and BoJack Horseman, but she hadn't taken the time to sit down and create art just for herself. "Before I knew it, I started drawing experiences from my life because it was just so easy for me to portray," Ma Van As told HuffPost.

Ma Van As' drawings capture what her life was like before she was married, when she lived alone with her dog. (Her dog Parker is featured in many of the illustrations. And yes, he's adorable.) Ma Van As said that living alone could be challenging at times, but it was also kind of magical. "It’s knowing that you’re on your own and each decision you make is directly affecting how you move forward with your life," she said. "Each day you learn to be more independent than the day before. It’s definitely an experience that should be embraced."